Senior State Department officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the threat came from Iraqi militia "commanded and controlled" by Tehran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The United States withdrew staff from its embassy in Iraq on Wednesday out of apparent concern about perceived threats from Iran, with usa sources saying they believe Tehran encouraged the attacks on the oil tankers.

While that claim has not been proven, it prompted the United States to send an aircraft carrier and a naval strike group to the Gulf to give a "clear and unmistakable message to the Iranian regime".

"There are only two reasons for ordering their departure: We have credible intelligence that our people are at risk or in preparation for military action in Iran". Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu may be the only world leader who has proactively praised the Trump Administration's tough stance on Iran.

"There is absolutely no desire or interest in a military conflict with anybody", the official said.

Tehran has called the US military presence "a target" rather than a threat, and said it would not allow its oil exports to be halted.

On Tuesday, both Iran and the USA made it clear they do not want the growing tensions to escalate to war.

"This moment in history, because the enemy has stepped into the field of confrontation with us with all the possible capacity, is the most decisive moment of the Islamic revolution", said Major General Hossein Salami.

Iranian officials have said that they could reach 20% enrichment within four days.

Trump to Host Hungary's Orban at White House
KELEMEN: She says Orban's government sent two suspected Russian arms dealers back to Russia, denying a US extradition request. Still, Hungary's prime minister had to wait two and a half years for a bilateral meeting with the U.S. president.

"The definite decision of the Iranian nation is to resist against America".

The attack on the tankers near the Strait of Hormuz, through which one fifth of the world's oil consumption flows, appeared created to test the resolve of the United States and its Sunni Muslim allies without triggering a war, analysts said.

Reinforcing Mr Trump's denial, USA secretary of state Mike Pompeo said at a joint news conference in Sochi with Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov: "We fundamentally do not seek war with Iran".

U.S. allies in Iraq have refrained from echoing Washington's warning cry.

He told reporters at the Pentagon that the coalition monitors the presence of Iranian-backed forces "along with a whole range of others because that's the environment we're in".

Helicopters took off throughout the day from the vast US embassy compound near the Tigris River in Baghdad, carrying non-emergency staff out, according to an Iraqi source and a diplomatic source inside Baghdad's fortified Green Zone.

It was not immediately clear what led to the order on Wednesday.

Khamenei continued: "This face-off is not military because there is not going to be any war".

Trump declares emergency over IT threatsMay 16, 2019 - 02:24
President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency to protect United States computer networks from "foreign adversaries". The United Kingdom is now deciding how much Huawei equipment it will use for the deployment of its 5G networks.

Trapped in machinery, Nebraska farmer amputates his own legMay 16, 2019 - 02:21
Mr Kaser, a corn, soybean and hog farmer , said he never lost consciousness during his ordeal, which happened on April 19. Nobody else was home, or due back for several hours, and the hopper began to pull him further inside.

Jets fire GM Maccagnan, name Gase interimMay 16, 2019 - 01:26
Philadelphia Eagles vice president of player personnel Joe Douglas could emerge as a candidate, Schefter suggested . Maccagnan compiled a 24-40 record during his tenure as Jets GM, with the team slumping to 4-12 last season.

Pompeo to visit Brussels as Europe meets on IranMay 15, 2019 - 02:19
Mogherini gave a chilly response to news of Pompeo's visit, which she said was only communicated to Brussels at the last minute. He rejected criticism of the deal by top US officials, saying it falls in line with United Nation resolutions on Iran.

Joe Flacco Says It's Not His Job To Mentor Drew LockMay 15, 2019 - 02:01
Nonetheless, Broncos general manager John Elway said last month he believes Flacco, at age 34, is "a guy coming into his prime". And that's how you can develop. "I'm trying to go out there and play good football", veteran quarterback says .

Lenovo announces world’s first foldable laptopMay 15, 2019 - 01:38
As such, it's testing the hinge to endure twice the amount of cycles that hinges are rated for in its regular laptops. Unlike on an iPad, a foldable display allows the on-screen keyboard to not block the body of an email.

Uber CEO unflapped by share lossesMay 15, 2019 - 01:17
Thousands of Uber and Lyft drivers turned off their apps in a US-wide strike last week over pay and working conditions. The ability to swap back and forth as a customer is great, but it can be problematic when talking about drivers.

Apple Releases New TV AppMay 15, 2019 - 01:06
The Apple TV app is where the Apple TV + service, with Apple's original programming, will be found when it launches this autumn. The revamped TV app is also available now on Samsung TVs, along with AirPlay 2 support with an upcoming firmware update.

England battle to 12-run win over Pakistan at Ageas BowlMay 15, 2019 - 00:52
Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed , 41 not out at the finish, praised his side for the way they so almost reached a winning total. Zaman raced to his century and went on to score 138 off only 106 balls with the help of 12 fours and 4 sixes.

Two Dead In Weekend South Florida Shootings With Ties To RappersMay 14, 2019 - 02:34
The 19-year-old rapper was in Miami for the Rolling Loud Festival when his vehicle was shot at with him and his girlfriend inside. The American Red Cross is working with a mental health group to offer counseling services for those affected by the shooting.

Fortnite Season 9 Map - What are the new places?May 14, 2019 - 01:39
Along with the patch notes they have also released the Fortnite season 9 cinematic trailer, which you can check out below. Remember that 950 V-Bucks are required to purchase the Battle Pass and you will get a chance to purchase exclusive items.

House chairman issues subpoenas for Trump's tax returnsMay 14, 2019 - 01:14
The order demands those returns by next Friday after Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin refused an earlier request. With so-called Subpoenas of Congress, can load under threat of prosecution witnesses or documents to request.